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Nightworld Academy #9
Winterfall Legacy
Now that the group are back together, they have new challenges to face—including finally confronting Gabriella.
But what is the First and how dangerous is she?
And what problems will Dorian Blackwood's involvement create?
But what is the First and how dangerous is she?
And what problems will Dorian Blackwood's involvement create?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2023
154 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Swallow
125 books746 followersLJ Swallow is a paranormal romance and urban fantasy author who is the alter-ego of bestselling contemporary romance author Lisa Swallow.
Giving in to her dark side, LJ spends time creating worlds filled with supernatural creatures who don’t fit the norm, and heroines who are more likely to kick ass than sit on theirs.
Giving in to her dark side, LJ spends time creating worlds filled with supernatural creatures who don’t fit the norm, and heroines who are more likely to kick ass than sit on theirs.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 28, 2023
Non-audiobook review:
It's been so long since the previous book that it took a few chapters for me to remember who everyone was. Not only are we reading about Maeve's set of 5, but also Dorian's 5, and Astrid's 5, plus the other ancillary bad guys.
The book consists of them discussing what might happen, and Maeve having extreme anxiety while the guys soothe her. That's about it. It stops abruptly, practically mid-sentence, once one actual event finally starts to progress the plot.
I still love the story and the characters, but waiting a year for this book and now having to wait a year for the next book in the series blows.
It's been so long since the previous book that it took a few chapters for me to remember who everyone was. Not only are we reading about Maeve's set of 5, but also Dorian's 5, and Astrid's 5, plus the other ancillary bad guys.
The book consists of them discussing what might happen, and Maeve having extreme anxiety while the guys soothe her. That's about it. It stops abruptly, practically mid-sentence, once one actual event finally starts to progress the plot.
I still love the story and the characters, but waiting a year for this book and now having to wait a year for the next book in the series blows.
October 1, 2025
Maeve carga con demasiadas heridas: las visiones no llegan, el linaje Winterfall-Blackwood la marca, y ahora además debe sostener la carga de tener a la Primera con ellos, encarnada en el cuerpo de una niña pequeña que, lejos de ser inocente, es un recordatorio constante del peligro de jugar con fuerzas ancestrales. Lo que al principio parecía un triunfo —haberla rescatado de Gabriela y de la hermana de Andrei— pronto se convierte en otra responsabilidad imposible, porque todos saben que la Primera es tan poderosa como incontrolable.
El grupo está hecho pedazos. Jaime sigue arrastrando las secuelas del abuso físico y mental sufrido a manos de la hermana de Andrei; aunque intenta reponerse, su confianza está destrozada y la magia oscura a la que recurrió en libros anteriores vuelve a rondarlo como una tentación. Andrei lucha contra los efectos de la sangre de la Primera que Gabriela le hizo ingerir: a veces se fortalece, pero otras pierde el control, y Maeve vive con el miedo de que un día no vuelva a ser él mismo, además ahora con la mezcla de sangre tiene dependencia a Gabriela y que siga viva sino morirá con ella. Ash sigue bajo la presión de los cambiaformas que quieren convertirlo en líder, y aunque él rechaza esa responsabilidad, el hecho de haber matado a Anastasia lo coloca en el centro de las disputas políticas. Maeve lo apoya, pero Ash se siente atrapado entre ser el jefe que no quiere y el compañero que necesita ser para ella.
Tobías continúa en su eterno vaivén. Después de haber escapado y recapacitado tantas veces, en este libro vuelve a moverse en la zona gris: a veces es un aliado crucial, otras parece estar más cerca de traicionarlos. Incluso con la maldición rota, su vínculo con Maeve sigue siendo fuente de dolor y dudas. Y aunque ella logra traerlo de regreso una y otra vez, ya no queda ninguna ilusión: Tobías es un personaje tan necesario como agotador, siempre ambiguo, siempre arrastrando más problemas de los que soluciona.
El gran foco del libro está en Gabriela, que regresa con más fuerza después de haber secuestrado a los consortes de la madre de Maeve. Sus planes son cada vez más oscuros, y su alianza con sectores del Dominio y con Blackwood la vuelve casi intocable. Dorian, el híbrido Blackwood presentado en el libro anterior, empieza a ganar importancia aquí, como un posible aliado de poder inmenso pero también como un recordatorio de que la sangre de Maeve la une tanto al bien como al mal, además Dorian es impredecible y es un personaje que solo se mueve por sus deseos e impulsos.
El latido es más fuerte que nunca, y ahora conectado directamente con la Primera. la Primera interviniendo desde su forma infantil y creciendo rápidamente, con una brutalidad escalofriante; Andrei luchando contra la corrupción de la sangre de la Primera; Jaime enfrentando de frente el trauma de lo que vivió y el riesgo de caer otra vez en la magia prohibida; y Tobías decidiendo en el último instante si va a traicionar o salvar. La batalla deja heridas más profundas que victorias, y aunque logran sobrevivir, la guerra parece interminable.
Maeve tiene una visión clara de su madre, viva, pero en un lugar donde ni siquiera sus poderes pueden alcanzarla todavía.
El grupo está hecho pedazos. Jaime sigue arrastrando las secuelas del abuso físico y mental sufrido a manos de la hermana de Andrei; aunque intenta reponerse, su confianza está destrozada y la magia oscura a la que recurrió en libros anteriores vuelve a rondarlo como una tentación. Andrei lucha contra los efectos de la sangre de la Primera que Gabriela le hizo ingerir: a veces se fortalece, pero otras pierde el control, y Maeve vive con el miedo de que un día no vuelva a ser él mismo, además ahora con la mezcla de sangre tiene dependencia a Gabriela y que siga viva sino morirá con ella. Ash sigue bajo la presión de los cambiaformas que quieren convertirlo en líder, y aunque él rechaza esa responsabilidad, el hecho de haber matado a Anastasia lo coloca en el centro de las disputas políticas. Maeve lo apoya, pero Ash se siente atrapado entre ser el jefe que no quiere y el compañero que necesita ser para ella.
Tobías continúa en su eterno vaivén. Después de haber escapado y recapacitado tantas veces, en este libro vuelve a moverse en la zona gris: a veces es un aliado crucial, otras parece estar más cerca de traicionarlos. Incluso con la maldición rota, su vínculo con Maeve sigue siendo fuente de dolor y dudas. Y aunque ella logra traerlo de regreso una y otra vez, ya no queda ninguna ilusión: Tobías es un personaje tan necesario como agotador, siempre ambiguo, siempre arrastrando más problemas de los que soluciona.
El gran foco del libro está en Gabriela, que regresa con más fuerza después de haber secuestrado a los consortes de la madre de Maeve. Sus planes son cada vez más oscuros, y su alianza con sectores del Dominio y con Blackwood la vuelve casi intocable. Dorian, el híbrido Blackwood presentado en el libro anterior, empieza a ganar importancia aquí, como un posible aliado de poder inmenso pero también como un recordatorio de que la sangre de Maeve la une tanto al bien como al mal, además Dorian es impredecible y es un personaje que solo se mueve por sus deseos e impulsos.
El latido es más fuerte que nunca, y ahora conectado directamente con la Primera. la Primera interviniendo desde su forma infantil y creciendo rápidamente, con una brutalidad escalofriante; Andrei luchando contra la corrupción de la sangre de la Primera; Jaime enfrentando de frente el trauma de lo que vivió y el riesgo de caer otra vez en la magia prohibida; y Tobías decidiendo en el último instante si va a traicionar o salvar. La batalla deja heridas más profundas que victorias, y aunque logran sobrevivir, la guerra parece interminable.
Maeve tiene una visión clara de su madre, viva, pero en un lugar donde ni siquiera sus poderes pueden alcanzarla todavía.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2024
I loved it!
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. This series is a slow-burn sweet why choose romance. Perfect for lovers of books with a strong magical heroine who grows into her powers, swoon-worthy guys who love and protect her, and a supernatural world filled with magic, romance, and mystery. Welcome to Nightworld Academy (Ravenwood Academy to the outside world). At this academy, that is attended by witches, shifters, and vampires, one student's bloodline will be their salvation or a curse. Please note: this book contains more explicit adult content than the previous books. The events in this book take place immediately after Term Six and continues Maeve's story after the original six term series finished. That series must be read first. The First poses a greater threat to them than the Dominion ever has and she’s moved into the Winterfall House. Following Ione’s death, Mauve thought their biggest problem would be dealing with Gabriella’s revenge, but now they face more than she could imagine in their fight to cut down the Dominion and its leader. The First returned to the Winterfall House with them and she shows no sign of leaving. This primordial vampire demands they retrieve the blood that Gabriella stole when she freed her from the pit beneath the academy, then she wants them to kill the Dominion leader. The First claims she’s willing to bargain for their lives if they perform her task but why is the First with them, and what are her true plans? If Winterfall magic can create half the key to lock her away again, why hasn't she killed Mauve? They discovered that Gabriella's death would come at a cost. The Dominion leader has created a safeguard to protect her from their group, so they might not be able to end Gabriella's life and although the First offers them a solution to the problem, the risk could be too great. As they try to escape the games the First plays with them and try to figure out the Blackwood and Winterfall spells that are needed to trap the creature again, there’s yet another complication in the name of Dorian Blackwood, is he an ally or enemy?This one week of nightmares in the Winterfall House contains more threat to their new future than anything they’ve faced at the academy because whether Gabriella survives or not, one of their lives still hangs in the balance. Mauve is struggling against Blackwood magic consuming her, and she’s lost her future sight so she can’t see what will happen to them all, she’s worried because doesn’t war always have casualties? I guess we will soon find out. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I can’t wait to find out what happens next, but I am going to need to wait until May 13, 2024. In the mean time I’m going to read the origin story followed by Matt and Amelia’s story. I highly recommend to everyone.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. This series is a slow-burn sweet why choose romance. Perfect for lovers of books with a strong magical heroine who grows into her powers, swoon-worthy guys who love and protect her, and a supernatural world filled with magic, romance, and mystery. Welcome to Nightworld Academy (Ravenwood Academy to the outside world). At this academy, that is attended by witches, shifters, and vampires, one student's bloodline will be their salvation or a curse. Please note: this book contains more explicit adult content than the previous books. The events in this book take place immediately after Term Six and continues Maeve's story after the original six term series finished. That series must be read first. The First poses a greater threat to them than the Dominion ever has and she’s moved into the Winterfall House. Following Ione’s death, Mauve thought their biggest problem would be dealing with Gabriella’s revenge, but now they face more than she could imagine in their fight to cut down the Dominion and its leader. The First returned to the Winterfall House with them and she shows no sign of leaving. This primordial vampire demands they retrieve the blood that Gabriella stole when she freed her from the pit beneath the academy, then she wants them to kill the Dominion leader. The First claims she’s willing to bargain for their lives if they perform her task but why is the First with them, and what are her true plans? If Winterfall magic can create half the key to lock her away again, why hasn't she killed Mauve? They discovered that Gabriella's death would come at a cost. The Dominion leader has created a safeguard to protect her from their group, so they might not be able to end Gabriella's life and although the First offers them a solution to the problem, the risk could be too great. As they try to escape the games the First plays with them and try to figure out the Blackwood and Winterfall spells that are needed to trap the creature again, there’s yet another complication in the name of Dorian Blackwood, is he an ally or enemy?This one week of nightmares in the Winterfall House contains more threat to their new future than anything they’ve faced at the academy because whether Gabriella survives or not, one of their lives still hangs in the balance. Mauve is struggling against Blackwood magic consuming her, and she’s lost her future sight so she can’t see what will happen to them all, she’s worried because doesn’t war always have casualties? I guess we will soon find out. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I can’t wait to find out what happens next, but I am going to need to wait until May 13, 2024. In the mean time I’m going to read the origin story followed by Matt and Amelia’s story. I highly recommend to everyone.
May 30, 2023
Unfortunately, this is not the last book. I have soldiered through this series because it's merely okay, but ever since they left the academy, boy has everything draaaaaaaaaaaagged. I mean, there was a whole book about breaking Tobias's curse so he and Maeve can have sex, which halted the whole Dominion for three hundred-ish pages.
In this book, it's more like a huge crossover event with too many characters. I don't care about Eloise's harem, I don't care about Astrid's harem, and I really, really don't care about baby Mia. Everything felt like an aside, like it was designed to waste my time. Kind of like watching Pretty Little Liars. Can we just get to the plot already? And what was the First even doing? Wait, I didn't care.
At this point, I wonder why is this a reverse harem. Ash is barely a character, Jamie and Tobias are basically side characters. Everything is about Andrei, and he always seems to be the most important guy in the harem because he's Gabriella's son. I don't care if authors have favourite characters, and I believe that the relationships shouldn't be totally balanced because real life doesn't work that way, but holy hell. Jamie's story was done the moment Maeve's visions of his death stopped, Ash's shifter story isn't really anything solid (it was literally a one chapter sidequest), Tobias's story is done because the curse is broken. All that's left is Andrei. And while he's a better character than Ash or even Jamie, that doesn't excuse how at the forefront he is compared to the others. Hell, even Maeve doesn't really seem to have a story anymore. Take her out, and it still works because everything is more centred around Andrei.
Remember when Maeve had foresight and mind control abilities? Yeah, good times. Just because it's mentioned doesn't make it okay that they're suddenly gone.
This was supposed to be the last book, but it looks like it too much nothing and filler was shoved into this book, so there's one more coming.
In this book, it's more like a huge crossover event with too many characters. I don't care about Eloise's harem, I don't care about Astrid's harem, and I really, really don't care about baby Mia. Everything felt like an aside, like it was designed to waste my time. Kind of like watching Pretty Little Liars. Can we just get to the plot already? And what was the First even doing? Wait, I didn't care.
At this point, I wonder why is this a reverse harem. Ash is barely a character, Jamie and Tobias are basically side characters. Everything is about Andrei, and he always seems to be the most important guy in the harem because he's Gabriella's son. I don't care if authors have favourite characters, and I believe that the relationships shouldn't be totally balanced because real life doesn't work that way, but holy hell. Jamie's story was done the moment Maeve's visions of his death stopped, Ash's shifter story isn't really anything solid (it was literally a one chapter sidequest), Tobias's story is done because the curse is broken. All that's left is Andrei. And while he's a better character than Ash or even Jamie, that doesn't excuse how at the forefront he is compared to the others. Hell, even Maeve doesn't really seem to have a story anymore. Take her out, and it still works because everything is more centred around Andrei.
Remember when Maeve had foresight and mind control abilities? Yeah, good times. Just because it's mentioned doesn't make it okay that they're suddenly gone.
This was supposed to be the last book, but it looks like it too much nothing and filler was shoved into this book, so there's one more coming.
May 24, 2023
Wow, I don't know how Lisa keeps this stuff straight. I'm glad she gave a short recap because I would have been lost to jump back into this story. There is a lot going on as the group tries to juggle the First (who keeps changing age and appearance), Gabriella, Declan, and Dorian's machinations. All of them are scared spitless of what the First might do to them. Gabriella has trapped Andrei by giving him some of the First's blood mixed with her own. If Gabriella dies, Andrei dies. The blood also increased all his hemia traits which scares him because he craves Maeve's blood even more now than he did before. Ash has Declan after him and on top of that he killed Ione which won't endear him to Gabriella, if she finds out. Tobias is balanced on the edge due to the breaking of the curse and his staged betrayal of Maeve with Ione, which almost went horribly wrong. Is there any way out of all of this that doesn't end with one or more of them dying?
There will be one more book before we find out what happens. Stay tuned... I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
There will be one more book before we find out what happens. Stay tuned... I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
May 26, 2023
I love Maeve and her guys!!! They’ve been through so much together and I love seeing how much they’ve changed. I also loved seeing Eloise, Dorian, Zeke, and Ethan!! It’s good to see that they’re working together for the greater good, even if Eloise has to reign in Dorian time and again. I’m so confused and intrigued by the First. I don’t know if she’s going to end up helping them or harming them. I can’t wait for their happily ever after, but at the same time, I don’t want it to come yet because I’m going to miss these characters so much! I hope Maeve and her dads can bring back Astrid and finally reunite and be a family like they’re meant to. There is so much left to wrap up and I’m so interested to see what happens next and how their story concludes. Such a big fan of this series and I loved this book!
September 29, 2023
Might contain spoilers.
I've stuck with this series because I just LOVE Tobias, but dear god is Maeve annoying. She's supposed to be uber powerful, but never does anything impressive and instead spends the whole book whining about one thing or another. The character development for her harem has essentially gone out the window. Jamie is a pushover and I swear only exists to lend power to Maeve, Ash is only around for her to sleep with from time to time.
Overall, this book was just too slow and focused too much on side characters instead of the main story. Maybe they'll play a bigger part in the next book. I don't know, but for this one, most of them really seemed unnecessary. Will I read the last book? Absolutely. Will I read this series more than once? Absolutely not.
I've stuck with this series because I just LOVE Tobias, but dear god is Maeve annoying. She's supposed to be uber powerful, but never does anything impressive and instead spends the whole book whining about one thing or another. The character development for her harem has essentially gone out the window. Jamie is a pushover and I swear only exists to lend power to Maeve, Ash is only around for her to sleep with from time to time.
Overall, this book was just too slow and focused too much on side characters instead of the main story. Maybe they'll play a bigger part in the next book. I don't know, but for this one, most of them really seemed unnecessary. Will I read the last book? Absolutely. Will I read this series more than once? Absolutely not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2025
Welcome back to the complete shitshow that every main character has been trapped in for the last 6 books but have barely made any progress on fixing!
Do they get any further to eliminating the threats that pop up at the frequency of a game of whack-a-mole on crack? Absolutely not.
We learn more information here, sort of? The book was not bad but I don’t know how many more books there can be where there is next to no plot advancement. A lot happens here but yet nothing progresses other than the relationships between Maeve and her consorts.
The relationships are basically the whole reason you read these books at this point and they’re done very well.
3.5⭐️
2🌶️
Do they get any further to eliminating the threats that pop up at the frequency of a game of whack-a-mole on crack? Absolutely not.
We learn more information here, sort of? The book was not bad but I don’t know how many more books there can be where there is next to no plot advancement. A lot happens here but yet nothing progresses other than the relationships between Maeve and her consorts.
The relationships are basically the whole reason you read these books at this point and they’re done very well.
3.5⭐️
2🌶️
May 22, 2023
Another awesome instalment. The first is at the house, but why what does she need from them or is she just going to kill them all. The first claims to know everything but does she? Lex’s secret comes out and not everyone takes it well. Maeve and her RH face lots of challenges. Dorian and family are along for part of the ride and it’s nice seeing old characters interacting with new. Can Tobias be trusted can anyone? Amazing read lots of twists and turns to keep you glued to the book very hard to put down. Can’t wait for the final book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2023
couldn’t put down !! beyond marvelous
Definitely a page turner! You feel like you’re actually in the story and part of the characters lives their losses are your losses and whenever they smile a part of you feels the same happiness they feel at that moment. I love Dorian being part of this book Eloise, Ethan, Lex and zeke with Dorian bring a lovely addition to an already perfect array of characters. I can not wait for Maeve and Astrid to meet!! Really a perfect book with amazing characters that you can’t help but fall in love with!
Definitely a page turner! You feel like you’re actually in the story and part of the characters lives their losses are your losses and whenever they smile a part of you feels the same happiness they feel at that moment. I love Dorian being part of this book Eloise, Ethan, Lex and zeke with Dorian bring a lovely addition to an already perfect array of characters. I can not wait for Maeve and Astrid to meet!! Really a perfect book with amazing characters that you can’t help but fall in love with!
May 28, 2023
Brilliant as always...
This is the second to last book in this series. Another fantastic book about Maeve and her mates! I am literally hurting from that ending... Andrei.. why??? Can not wait to read what happens next! Please don't leave us with this cliffhanger for too long, LJ! It hurts to much lol. You're a brilliant author, and I love all your books. Would highly recommend this series.
This is the second to last book in this series. Another fantastic book about Maeve and her mates! I am literally hurting from that ending... Andrei.. why??? Can not wait to read what happens next! Please don't leave us with this cliffhanger for too long, LJ! It hurts to much lol. You're a brilliant author, and I love all your books. Would highly recommend this series.
May 28, 2024
Love, love, LOVE this series!
Oh how I love this delectable world! Maeve and her guys - along with oodles of chaos and surprises are back. The D•R•A•M•A is also intensified while dealing with The First as it gets its bearings. Our Scooby Gang is on code red while dealing with *that* delightful situation on the home front, as well as a few other twists and turns. Emotions run high as the stakes really start to get real. Buckle up buttercups this is one exciting read!
Oh how I love this delectable world! Maeve and her guys - along with oodles of chaos and surprises are back. The D•R•A•M•A is also intensified while dealing with The First as it gets its bearings. Our Scooby Gang is on code red while dealing with *that* delightful situation on the home front, as well as a few other twists and turns. Emotions run high as the stakes really start to get real. Buckle up buttercups this is one exciting read!
February 23, 2024
read the book in series one after another; can't differentiate. they're all super fun. except this one really annoyed me. it was supposed to be the last book. and only at the end did you learn that it's not the last one. they should've added something in the beginning to correct that it's no longer the final book in the series.
May 19, 2023
I love seeing more of Mauve and her men in this book. We get some back story on the first and get to see some of our other favorites. They still have plans to take care of Gabriella and they have challenges along the way. Can't wait to read more.
May 26, 2023
L.j. has done it yet again!!!! But man oh man that cliff hanger!!! I really love this world she's created !!! Mauve and her merry men are so absolutely delicious... I can't wait for the next one. Although I'm going to be heartbroken when it's truly over.
May 28, 2023
Nightworld Academy
I enjoy all the Nightworld Academy characters but this story doesn’t feel the same as the other books in the series. Hopefully the final book does a better job of bringing the characters back to their original form.
I enjoy all the Nightworld Academy characters but this story doesn’t feel the same as the other books in the series. Hopefully the final book does a better job of bringing the characters back to their original form.
October 29, 2023
Maeve
Andrei goes back to Gabrielle to find the First's blood. Dorion shows up and persuades Gabrielle to give up the blood. He kills Gabrielle, so Andrei dies but he saves him. He says Gabrielle will rejuvinate.
The First confiscates all the Blackwood and Winterfall grimwores.
Andrei goes back to Gabrielle to find the First's blood. Dorion shows up and persuades Gabrielle to give up the blood. He kills Gabrielle, so Andrei dies but he saves him. He says Gabrielle will rejuvinate.
The First confiscates all the Blackwood and Winterfall grimwores.
July 3, 2024
after 9 books, i still dont like maeve. shes so damn selfish and everything about her bugs the crap out of me. i do however love most of the other characters, so I decided to finish the series. One more book to go. lets hope its really the last one.
February 11, 2025
Fantastic!
Just when you think you have wrapped your head around the evils facing this group, their world just becomes a bit more dangerous. These characters are as epic as the plot! I can't wait to find what happens next.
Just when you think you have wrapped your head around the evils facing this group, their world just becomes a bit more dangerous. These characters are as epic as the plot! I can't wait to find what happens next.
May 22, 2023
Can’t wait to read more of these as I was happy to see some of the previous characters. Plans are forming to take down Gabriella and I can’t wait to see if they work.
May 24, 2023
Not happy
The next book won't be out for another year. Why wait so long? Why keep us in so much suspense?
The next book won't be out for another year. Why wait so long? Why keep us in so much suspense?
January 15, 2024
Very good story
I enjoyed the characters and the story lines of this story. I would definitely recommend that it is to be read along with the other books in the series.
I enjoyed the characters and the story lines of this story. I would definitely recommend that it is to be read along with the other books in the series.
February 10, 2024
I liked this book but I hate to wait for the next one.
August 5, 2024
⭐️ 3.5
August 5, 2024
What do you mean shit isn't over after 3 more books, man😭😭
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews